Let’s talk about trays. You know, those simple, often overlooked items that serve as mere platters for our food, or as decorative elements on our coffee tables. What if I told you that trays are, in fact, one of the most versatile tools you can use to keep your home organized? Yes, you heard that right. In this blog post, I will share with you my top 13 ways of using trays to keep everything in order, from my kitchen utensils to my office supplies.
1. Coffee Table Organizer
A tray on your coffee table can help keep all your items in one place. Instead of having remote controls, magazines, and various knick-knacks scattered all over the place, you can neatly arrange them on a tray. Not only does this make your table look neater, but it also makes it easier to find what you need.
For example, you can have a small tray for your remote controls, a medium-sized one for your magazines and books, and a larger one for decorative items. And when you need to clear the table for any reason, all you have to do is lift the trays.
2. Kitchen Counter Catch-all
If your kitchen counter usually ends up being a dumping ground for all sorts of items, a tray can come to your rescue. You can use it to hold your cooking utensils, spices, or even your dish soap and sponge.
I use a large tray to keep all my most commonly used cooking ingredients and tools within easy reach. Not only does this save me time while cooking, but it also keeps my counter clutter-free.
3. Vanity Organizer
A tray on your vanity can hold your make-up, perfumes, and other beauty products. Instead of having these items cluttering up your space, you can organize them neatly on a tray.
I personally love using a mirrored tray for this purpose. It adds a touch of glamour to my vanity and it’s also very practical. I can see all my beauty products at a glance, which makes getting ready in the morning so much easier.
4. Office Supplies Holder
A small tray on your desk can hold your pens, sticky notes, stapler, and other office supplies. Just like with the coffee table and vanity, having these items on a tray keeps your desk clutter-free and makes it easier to find what you need.
I use a small wooden tray for this purpose. It adds a touch of warmth to my workspace and helps keep me organized. Plus, it’s easy to move around if I need to clear some space on my desk.
5. Entryway Catch-all
An entryway tray is perfect for holding keys, mail, sunglasses, and other items you need to grab on your way out the door. This can prevent that last-minute scramble to find your keys or your sunglasses.
I use a shallow, rectangular tray for this. I keep it on a small table by the door, and it’s the first thing I see when I come home and the last thing I see when I leave. It’s a simple way to stay organized and save time.
6. Jewelry Display
You can use a tray to display and organize your jewelry. Instead of having your necklaces, bracelets, and rings scattered all over your dresser, you can keep them on a tray.
I use a pretty ceramic tray for this, and it works wonderfully. Not only does it keep my jewelry organized, but it also adds a decorative element to my room.
7. Breakfast in Bed Tray
A tray is not just for organizing. You can also use it to serve breakfast in bed on those lazy weekend mornings.
I have a large, sturdy tray with handles that’s perfect for this. It’s large enough to hold a plate, a cup of coffee, and a small vase of flowers. And its handles make it easy to carry from the kitchen to the bedroom.
8. Bar Cart Organizer
A tray can be a stylish and practical addition to your bar cart. You can use it to hold your glasses, bottles, and cocktail-making tools.
I use a vintage silver tray for this. It adds a touch of elegance to my bar cart and keeps everything in place when I’m mixing drinks.
9. Plant Stand
A tray can also serve as a stylish plant stand. You can use it to hold your potted plants and protect your furniture from water damage.
I use a large, round tray for this. It’s large enough to hold several small plants, and its raised edges prevent any water from spilling over.
10. Bathroom Organizer
A tray in the bathroom can hold your soap, toothbrush, and other toiletries. Instead of having these items cluttering up your sink area, you can keep them neatly organized on a tray.
I use a small, waterproof tray for this. It fits perfectly on my bathroom counter and keeps everything in place, even when the sink is in use.
11. Craft Supplies Holder
If you’re into crafts, a tray can be a lifesaver. You can use it to hold your scissors, glue, beads, and other craft supplies.
I use a large tray with compartments for this. It keeps all my craft supplies organized and within easy reach.
12. Sewing Kit Organizer
A tray can also be used to organize your sewing kit. You can use it to hold your threads, needles, buttons, and other sewing supplies.
I use a small tray with compartments for this. It keeps all my sewing supplies in one place and makes it easier to find what I need when I’m sewing.
13. DIY Tray
Last but not least, you can even make your own tray! All you need is a wooden board, some handles, and a bit of creativity.
I made my own tray using an old chopping board and some drawer pulls. I painted it a lovely shade of blue and it now serves as a beautiful and practical addition to my living room.
